Overkill Concert
Rating: 5 Skulls
Abyss's Review (4/14/05, B.B. King's, New York, NY):
Here's To The Old School...How Overkill isn't the biggest live draw in the metal world is a mystery to me. This band, without fail, does everything right. The band has stayed true to their fans, without getting stagnant. They were there through the golden 80s and the dismal 90s, and I've seen them play packed clubs and to crowds of less than fifty. And through it all they've done everything just about perfectly.
With L'Amour no longer around, Overkill headlined a packed (and I assume, sold out) show at BB King's Blues Club, in the heart of Times Square. Opening for this NY institution was the interesting (if a little puzzling) Sonata Arctica, a very capable power metal band that seemed a little out of place playing with these blue collar thrashers. They did have a considerable amount of the crowd on their side, however, and played an enjoyable set. I was actually surprised at how many fans of theirs were in the club, and I suppose it's nice to have the genres mixed up a little, as it gives people a chance to either A) open their mind to new experiences, or B) drink more beer. And while I wasn't blown away by the band, I am glad I got a chance to get acquainted with them.
Overkill took the stage to a loving hometown reception, and impressed me throughout the entire show. More than any other metal band, Overkill seem willing to mix up their set list. In fact, they do it so convincingly that now that Phish have broken up, I think all of their fans should take a shower, buy some denim and follow Overkill around the country... Hey, it beats getting a job, right?
The sound was a bit thin, but the performance was inspired, so I barely noticed. The band chose songs from throughout their career, playing many that I haven't heard in a long time. I was left giddy as a schoolgirl when they played "Nice Day... For A Funeral" (if they play "Soulitude" after it next time, I can die a happy man... assuming that's after I see Revenge of the Sith). Last time I saw them they surprised me with "Bastard Nation," and this time they did it with "Thanks For Nothing." And no, its not like that's one of my favorite songs, but I'm happy as hell they're throwing some obscure stuff in the mix. Shit like this will ensure that I come to every Overkill show that I can.
But before I knew it, the crowd was screaming "Fuck You" and I knew it was over. New songs played were "Within Your Eyes," "Bats In The Belfry," and "Old School," and all seemed to go over well. I don't care whether you like this band or not, they are the example that all metal bands should strive to be. One word review: Kill!
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